This movie is no exception. Putting it simply, it is Miyazaki's portrayal of Jiro Horikoshi. While admittedly there are questions and skepticisms raised in terms of artistic license (accuracy in portrayal of the man himself, for instance), I personally accept them and take the movie at face value - as a progressive instruction on pursuing your dream, even when it seems impossible to do so.
Personally, in this particular movie, I appreciated how Miyazaki's colorful portrayal of Japan, Germany, planes, and characters, were daring, and three dimensional. They were immersive, fluid, and even were involving in their own right. If there is an example which I would personally quote from this movie, is around 1:22:34 when he sings "Das gibt´s nur einmal, das kommt nicht wieder" (which, by the way, is nostalgic of Miyazaki. A cultured selection).
The story was balanced, and I highly recommend that it be seen as is - independent of the happenings of real life, and as a concrete telling in itself of Hirokoshi. As I mentioned earlier in skepticisms, the account on Hirokoshi is fictional. Nevertheless, It definitely gives an insight into the man's world, and how his work would be a significant symbol of Japanese aircraft technology. A political motif, perhaps, but that is the underlying and imperative point which Miyazaki wanted to make with this movie. Reasonable, and acceptable.
In terms of characters, though, I'd actually have to go with... all of them. Even though - on a historical note - Hirokoshi didn't have a younger sister, she felt so realistic it definitely willed the suspension of disbelief. She wasn't a construct, in my opinion, because her approach towards Hirokoshi was consistent throughout the movie. Likewise, Honjo's character is one of criticism towards Japan, but definitely in the hopes of improving its aircraft technology. Hirokoshi's boss and the chief engineer themselves are actually fun, and just as alive - the best example is the way they support the protagonist. I don't recall the name of the Italian (It's Giovanni Caproni, by the way), but the way that his person plays a role towards critiquing the purpose of airplanes and the intrigue of flight, is quite intriguing.
Sound? It needs no comments or critique.
All in all, a definitive end to a prolific career, or so I want not to believe honestly. Miyazaki is an artist, and a true genius whose contributions to the animation industry deserve acolades and recognition. This movie, is no exception. Watching a Miyazaki movie, is a pleasure in itself. And pondering on them, is even greater a privilege because in the end, you have finished a wonderful piece of work. The Wind Rises is a must watch, for all the right reasons.
